The FINANCIAL — W Hotels Worldwide on August 10 announced the opening of W Bellevue, marking a new era of design for W Hotels in North America that celebrates the local as never before.
Playing off Bellevue’s tech-forward neighbors and centuries-old traditions, the design of the hotel embraces the region’s juxtaposed affinity for both its natural surroundings and groundbreaking innovation. The hotel pays homage to lakeside culture with cabin-like architecture, thoughtfully reimagined traditional décor, and locally-inspired cocktails and cuisine. Built as a W from the ground up, W Bellevue offers a modern yet invitingly familiar setting to welcome locals and travelers alike to 220 guest rooms and 25 suites in the newest Lincoln Square expansion, according to Marriott.
“Throughout the brand’s nearly 20-year history, W has come to be known for reinvention,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide “Our design process has evolved to center around each destination’s respective history, environment and culture, and with Bellevue as a tech-capital and center for innovation in its own right we are thrilled to unveil W Bellevue, the first new-build W Hotel in North America in seven years with more on the way!”
Neighbor to some of the world’s most well-known technology companies such as Microsoft and Amazon, Bellevue has become best known as the Pacific Northwest’s tech playground. Locally known as the ‘Eastside,’ Bellevue is a magnet for the rugged individualist who is attracted to natural beauty and flourishing professional opportunities. W Bellevue boldly reinterprets the city’s historic lake-centric culture, blending with its newfound reputation for innovation to create a modern and playfully designed space for any adventurer. And, in true W fashion, whether guests crave a cold craft cocktail or need Insider access to the latest happenings in town, the team at W Bellevue will make it happen with the brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever service.
Lake House Luxury
Designed by HKS Inc. lead by Mary Alice Palmer and HKS architect Tom Sprinkle, W Bellevue transports guests to a modern lodge oasis, inspired by the region’s iconic setting beside Lake Washington. Upon entering, guests are immediately greeted by a striking, reclaimed wood staircase surrounded by rich, colorful street art from famed international artist Gaia. Additional original artwork from renowned artists Lady Aiko and Zio Ziegler make unexpected appearances throughout the property.
The hotel’s Living Room (the brand’s take on the hotel lobby) is a clubhouse for the modern traveler, showcasing exposed A-frame beams that line the ceiling – reminiscent of a log cabin home. Mirrors contour the interior edges of the room, creating the illusion of open ceilings that connect seamlessly with the open-air porch area and adding a modern feel so guests can always be on view. Deep sofas and lounge chairs, modeled after ‘70s vintage furniture that one would find in a lake house, are mixed with rustic plaid throws and plush pillows creating texture and warmth in the room.
Just steps off the Living Room, The Porch provides an open-air, pop homage to the lake house where guests can mix and mingle with a house-made cocktail in hand or relax on a porch swing by the roaring fire. The Library is a pulp-pleasure paradise for those looking for a bit of wit with their drinks. Living up to its name, guests can cozy up with one of the racy romance novels that fill the shelves or help themselves to vintage board games.
Each of the 220 guest rooms and 25 suites at W Bellevue bring guests closer to the communal history of the city, dating back to the first settlers who gathered around the docks and ferries and served as the center of community and commerce. Rooms feature design elements like side-table lights which mimic traditional dock lamps and inflatable tufted headboards, a nod to historic dockside décor. Beds are adorned with painted pillowcases featuring pulp poetry reminiscent of the summer escapist novel while ‘wine spilt’ carpets reflect the burgeoning wineries of the region. Glass showers, placed in the middle of each room, personify the boundless nature of the hotel’s design.
The 2,300-square-foot, two-bedroom Extreme WOW Suite (the brand’s take on the traditional Presidential suite) is a decked-out party palace with sweeping views of sparkling Lake Washington. Perched high on the thirteenth floor, the double door entry opens to a vibrant suite featuring two king beds (with one hanging from the ceiling) a state of the art surround sound audio system (vinyl included), an in-room pool and poker table and retractable flat screen TV. Modern hanging porch swings line the border of the suite, offering guests a chance to feel as if they’re floating over Bellevue.
“As a city known for its lake houses, W Bellevue embraces this tradition while reinterpreting the design in a fresh and innovative way,” said Matt Van Der Peet, General Manager, W Bellevue. “From being welcomed by bold street art, surprised by a library of pulp fiction, and quenched by craft cocktails at the Living Room bar, W Bellevue is sure to become a destination in its own right for both guests and locals alike.”
